Maybe we are hardwired to look after others, I don’t know, but as women we seem to have an especially hard time putting ourselves first.

We cannot, however, produce our best work, give our best selves, serve others to the best of our ability, be there for our children, spouses and parents, if we are running on empty fumes.

We rush through things, make mistakes, become irritable, jump from one activity to the next without a moment to collect ourselves, rarely present, always ahead of ourselves on the next thing on the to-do list.

Part of my job is to teach and encourage you to STOP for a moment. To PAUSE and look after yourself in a meaningful and constructive way. To help you be present for what you’re doing while you’re doing it!

I’m also a huge advocate for Constructive Rest. It is one my favorite forms of self care, and you can find all about it, and its myriad of benefits, here.

Unfortunately I cannot count the number of times people have told me they don’t have time for it.

The optimum amount of time to spend in Constructive Rest is considered to be about 20 minutes. And I highly recommend you take this time to do that when you can.

BUT it is not necessary to take 20 minutes to benefit from Constructive Rest.

And you do not have to lie down to benefit from constructive thinking.

It’s time to bring your attention to yourself in a way that promotes ease and calm.

It’s a way to de-stress and clear your mental clutter.

You can do this lying down in the traditional Constructive Rest position. That would be great!

You can also do this sitting at your desk, or even standing or walking.

It’s all helpful.

Why not have a mini Power Pause right now:

Bring your attention to your contact with the surface supporting you – the ground, your chair….

Notice where you sense tension or discomfort in your body. Acknowledge it without trying to change it.

You are free to be exactly as you are.

Now notice where you feel relatively good – less tense, more at ease. This might even register as a lack of sensation. We’re good at picking up what’s wrong, but less good at noticing what’s going well.

Do a “body-ease” scan – noticing any ease from head to toe. (This is a skill that is worth learning and practicing.)